Technical Director - Berkeley

Company Overview

ABOUT CANADIAN STAGE

Canadian Stage is one of the country’s leading not-for-profit contemporary performing arts organizations.  Sharing innovative work from Canada and across the world, the company stages an annual season across four Toronto venues, including its beautiful heritage building on Berkeley and Front Street, in the vibrant St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood.   

In its long and storied history, Canadian Stage has employed thousands of artists and produced hundreds of new productions to over 5,000,000 audience members, including the premieres of 350+ new Canadian works. Many of the plays developed by Canadian Stage have been awarded and nominated for Canada's most prestigious literary and performing arts honours, including Governor General's, Chalmers, and Dora Mavor Moore Awards.

Job Description

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Technical Director - Berkeley (TDB) is a member of the Production Department and reports to the Technical Director. Working closely with the Technical Director and other production staff, the TDB supports the daily operations of the department and the technical execution of Canadian Stage’s productions, presentations, and related activities.

The TDB is responsible for planning and delivering the technical elements of Canadian Stage productions, presentations, and rental events at the Marilyn and Charles Baillie Theatre and the Upstairs Theatre at 26 Berkeley Street. This includes ensuring all technical aspects are completed on schedule and within budget.  The position also provides support to technical direction at Canadian Stage’s other venues as needed.

This is an excellent position for someone pursuing a career in technical and/or production management at large-scale performing arts organizations, and who is interested in learning or refining both the technical and HR management skills required.

The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and competencies. In addition, Canadian Stage offers a competitive benefits plan covering life, medical and health insurance, and short-term and long-term disability benefits for employees and their immediate family. Benefits also include a matching group RRSP package.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Serve as the on-site and primary technical coordinator for all productions, presentations, and events in the Marilyn and Charles Baillie Theatre and Upstairs Theatre at 26 Berkeley Street.

·       Oversee the planning, installation, and completion of all technical elements for Canadian Stage productions at Berkeley, ensuring work meets artistic, technical, and organizational standards.

·       Coordinate and schedule IATSE work calls, including load-ins, lighting, video, and sound calls, rehearsals, maintenance calls, and other technical calls related to the Berkeley venues.

·       Supervise and support the Assistant Technical Director, who acts as primary technical coordinator for one Berkeley production each season.

·       Manage the scenic bidding process for Canadian Stage productions at Berkeley and collaborate with designers to align production plans with approved budgets.

·       Prepare and maintain technical documentation including ground plans, section drawings, fly schedules, and other production paperwork required for efficient load-ins and production execution.

·       Produce CAD drawings and technical build documentation as required for scenic and production elements.

·       Develop technical cost estimates based on submitted designs and monitor material and labour expenditures across all technical departments, including stage, lighting, sound, video, and special effects.

·       Communicate and collaborate with designers, directors, and stage management to address technical challenges, ensure production continuity, and support the artistic vision.

·       Act as a liaison with stage management regarding technical production notes and implementation.

·       Review, interpret, and implement technical riders for visiting productions and presentations.

·       Liaise with rental clients and partner companies to coordinate and fulfill technical requirements within the Berkeley venues.

·       Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations within all areas under the supervision of the Production Department.

·       Provide recommendations and guidance regarding production-related capital equipment upgrades.

·       Oversee the installation, maintenance, and safe operation of technical equipment within the Berkeley facilities.

·       Provide technical coordination and support for Canadian Stage events and organizational activities as required.

·       Develop, implement, and maintain production inventories and asset tracking systems in collaboration with the Technical Director.

·       Maintain a high standard of production quality across all technical and operational aspects of Berkeley productions.

·       Perform other duties as assigned by the Technical Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

·       Minimum of 5+ years of professional experience in technical theatre.

·       Experience as a Technical Director or ATD is preferred.

·       Solid proficiency with Vectorworks.

·       Available to work evenings and weekends.

·       Experience in management or supervision of technicians, preferably with familiarity of IATSE agreements and practices.

·       Experience in the setting and upholding of safety standards in all parts of the venue – from stages, backstage, audience and FOH.

·       An ability to work unsupervised while maintaining goals and an attention to detail.

·       Experience working in a team-based collaborative environment with a positive attitude to deliver high-quality presentations. Ability to work with diplomacy and tact with a wide range of stakeholders.

·       Valid Class G Ontario Driver's License.

·       The ability to drive a large cargo van and a 5-ton transport truck (automatic transmission) is an asset.